Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference
Conference Dates: April 2026 & April 2027
Proposal Deadline: August 8, 2025
Submit Proposals & Questions to: Ben Dutton, ben.dutton@unl.edu
Overview
Rural Prosperity Nebraska (RPN) is seeking proposals from communities interested in hosting the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference in April 2026 or April 2027. This annual statewide event brings together community leaders and developers, nonprofit and civic leaders, local business owners and entrepreneurs, educators, and community champions to explore strategies that support thriving rural places. Selected host communities will work in partnership with the Rural Prosperity Nebraska team and planning partners to co-create a memorable, locally grounded event that showcases rural innovation, leadership, and hospitality.
About CEC
The purpose of the CEC Conference is to empower and equip rural communities to thrive in the face of evolving economic and social challenges.
Through exciting keynote speakers, engaging breakout sessions, peer learning, and exposure to successful rural models, the conference supports:
- Fostering economic opportunity and local entrepreneurship
- Promoting community placemaking and people attraction
- Developing rural leadership capacity
- Encouraging inter-community collaboration and innovation
Format & Audience
CEC is a community-hosted, walkable conference.
Sessions are held in local downtown businesses, civic spaces, and community venues rather than traditional conference centers. Now in the eighth community across Nebraska, the event has historically taken place in late April and typically draws 100–150 participants from across Nebraska and beyond.
Host Community Expectations
The selected host community will work closely with the CEC planning committee and will be expected to:
- Provide a variety of accessible, walkable venues for breakout sessions
- Help identify local and regional speakers, entrepreneurs, and success stories
- Help with local and regional marketing, hospitality, and entertainment
- Encourage local participation and coordinate volunteers and welcome ambassadors
- Secure a minimum of $5,000 in local sponsorships, which includes 10 complimentary registrations
Ideal Host Community Characteristics
To host a successful conference, the ideal community will have the following:
- Strong local leadership and collaboration among business owners, including active community development efforts
- A walkable downtown or central area with a large venue capable of hosting 125+ participants, and 12-15 diverse venues that could include retail, restaurant, or office spaces
- Enthusiasm for showcasing community to a statewide audience
Proposal Requirements
Location preference for the April 2026 conference is eastern half of Nebraska.
Location preference for the April 2027 conference is open.
Please submit a proposal of no more than two pages (plus any optional letters of support) that includes the following:
- Community Overview—Describe your community, including population, location, key assets, and unique qualities
- Why Host?—Explain your interest in hosting the CEC Conference and how your community would benefit
- Venue Information—Identify potential session spaces and describe their proximity to one another
- Lodging and Dining—Outline local accommodation options and nearby restaurants/cafes
- Local Leadership Team—List individuals and organizations who will help plan and promote the event
- Dates—Indicate whether your community is applying to host in 2026, 2027, or both